"No need of that, for he is walking so fast, he will soon be up with us. Here he comes, as if in a great hurry."
A few minutes later the boys were overtaken by the suspicious stranger.
CHAPTER III.
UP THE LYNN CANAL.
Roswell and Frank were standing in front of one of the curio stores, studying the interesting exhibits, among which was a pan of Klondike gold, but they kept watch of the stranger, who slouched up to them and halted at the side of Frank.
"I say, pards," he said in the gruff, wheedling tones of the professional tramp, "can't you do something for a chap that's down on his luck?"
As the lads turned to face him they saw an unclean, tousled man, very tall, with stooping shoulders, protruding black eyes, spiky hair, and a generally repellent appearance.
"What's the trouble?" asked Frank, looking into the face that had not been shaven for several days.
"Had the worst sort of luck; got back from Klondike two days ago with thirty thousand dollars, and robbed of every cent. I'm dead broke."